I only recently got the famous book, Goodnight Moon. I don’t know what took us so long, but finally we own it! And after doing a little “moon school” with Asa this year, it’s one of our faves. We even have a moon craft he made hanging in the window just so he can say “Goodnight Moon!” almost every night.

Well, I found a Christmas-y type version of Goodnight Moon called A Christmas Goodnight! It’s illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators, Sarah Jane. The pictures are just so real. Not realistic but real as in, “this is what it could have been like!” I love pictures that show a loving Mary or a messy stable. Not a halo-glowing family.

Anyway, what’s cute about the book is at first you’re seeing pictures of the Nativity, as if it’s actually happening. Then you realize it’s just a kid playing with the nativity scene and saying goodnight to it. So, the first few pages are really his imagination!

There’s not a huge message in the book. Just the pictures speaking for the words, “Good night to the sleepy mother. Goodnight to Joseph, too!” But I love the whole idea of kids playing with, thinking about and interacting with a nativity scene.

We have the Fisher Price Nativity Scene (above) and an Usborne Nativity book with paper dolls inside and the kids LOVE playing with them. And it’s just what I want. For them to sit for hours (like they do with other toys) and imagine about that first night. To think about the shepherds, Mary, Joseph, the manger, baby Jesus and the animals. The more they interact with it, the more it will sink into their hearts and minds.

I think it’s just a child like way to meditate on God’s Word and deeds like Psalm 143:5 says, “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.” 

Do your kids like to pretend about the very first Christmas night?

You know I have kind of an author-crush on Sally Lloyd Jones. She wrote my very favorite book in the whole wide world, The Jesus Storybook. And I also have a slight addiction to Christmas books, so when I saw Sally Lloyd Jones had a new Christmas book out. I bought it. Even though it was like October.

Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story has been hiding in my china cabinet for awhile now and last night we finally pulled it out to read before bedtime. And oh! I just LOVE it. It’s the story of the world (animals, oceans, stars and more!) getting ready and anticipating the birth of Jesus. So, really, the first 3/4 of the pages is just animals. At first they are saying things like, “It’s time!” and “Get ready!” but as they get closer to the baby King, their words are more important. Things like, “Bright and Morning Star!” and “Mighty King!” and “Good Shepherd!”. Finally, all the animals surround the manger (ahh, to feast on the real Bread of Life!) and they all say, “The One who made us has come to live with us!”

Emmanuel.

Yes, the Creator has come to live with us! It’s too much to imagine or understand! The story ends with Mary and Joseph cradling baby Jesus, “Heaven’s Son sleeping under the stars that he made.”

The paintings in the book are gorgeous and the words are so…passionate. I really encourage you to buy this one! You’ll love it!

It’s not too late to join our Truth in the Tinsel advent-ure! Buy the book and join the Facebook challenge!

photo instagramed by me

It’s time! Our Truth in the Tinsel Challenge and advent-ure begins today! Today’s scripture is from Isaiah 9:2, “The people who are now living in darkness will see a great light. They are now living in a very dark land. But a light will shine on them. “ What a beautiful way to start this Christmas season–with the Light of the World! I can’t wait to hear how you and your kids like Day 1 of Truth in the Tinsel.

If you haven’t joined the Facebook page, please do so! I am already so inspired by everyone there–everyone is posting fun ways they’re using the book, cute advent calendars and just adorable pics of their kids!

If you haven’t bought the book yet, don’t worry! It’s not too late! I have included lots of alternate schedules. You don’t have to do it every single day if your schedule won’t allow. But I do encourage you to do SOMETHING! Don’t let December pass you by without spending focused time on Jesus!

Oh, and I don’t know how to tell you this but, I’m leaving for Disney World today. Can you believe that crazy timing? When we planned the vacation, I had not planned on writing a book! But we are taking our ornaments with us and our cute paper chain. We’re gonna do it vacation-style! So, watch the Facebook page for how we hack our adventure for a hotel room!

I have to tell you–I don’t bring my computer on vacation. I don’t want to set the precedent. And my phone is just too old and dinosaur-ish to update on facebook or twitter. So, today, my husband came home with a brand new iPhone for me. Just so I could keep in touch with the Truth in the Tinsel fun this week! I know that is so first-world, but I am so honored by his generosity and thoughtfulness! So. I will be updating and checking in on what’s going on! Yahoooo!

Merry Truth-in-the-Tinsel!